This is the first of two studies that analyze the possibility of improving traffic regulation in Ljubljana based on the public perception of congestion charging. The term congestion charging denotes different models of solving road congestion, in which the road users (especially automobile users) are required to pay financial compensation for the use of a particular segment of the road network in a given, usually urban area. The very concept of congestion charging is based on the assumption that the use of personal vehicles in circulation in specific circumstances can produce different adverse effects – externalities. Monetary compensation for the use of a specific road in this context acts as a mechanism of internalization of these costs i.e. as a form of compensation for externalities. The study not only measured the views, opinions and perceptions of respondents about the possibility of introducing compensation for car entry into specific areas of the city, but also investigated the perception of other measures to be implemented within the CIVITAS Elan project, in particular the concept of park-and-ride (P + R), use of alternative modes of transport (bus, bike) and parking facilities at the edge of a town, primarily intended for the use of commuters. In addition to questions on both topics, the questionnaire also covered other relevant socio-cultural dimensions of project measures – e.g. individual mobility (driving habits, preference on transport policy etc.) and demographics (education, age, working status etc.) of population surveyed.

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Face-to-face interview: Paper-and-pencil (PAPI)Two training session for fieldwork interviewers were held during the first week. The purpose of the survey, the data collection method and its process, the optimal strategy for working with respondents and interviewer’s obligations were explained in detail. Interviewers were assigned to work in the areas, in which they had to carry out a certain number of interviews successfully. The survey materials were handed out to them. Working in accordance with the methodological standards, the interviewer had to get in touch with potential respondents and explain about the purpose of the survey and the structure of the questionnaire. In the meantime, the interviewer was available to respondents for answering further questions and providing additional information on the survey or the questionnaire. The contact information (a telephone number and an e-mail address) of the Centre for Spatial Sociology contact person were available in the questionnaire. That person was available on all weekdays, in case a respondent would have any additional questions. The required number of successfully realized interviews was achieved in all areas, in some even overachieved. The demographical and mobility structure of the sample was revealed by the further data management and it was in accordance to the plans, expectations and assumptions.Interview.FaceToFace.PAPI